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ATLANTA (AP) — Students would soon have to complete an annual physical fitness testing under a measure that cleared the Georgia Legislature.

The Senate voted 34-14 Thursday to pass a measure that would require each school system to conduct an annual fitness assessment program by the 2011-2012 school year. The House adopted the measure in February, meaning it will be sent to Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Supporters say the proposal promotes physical fitness and would help the state identify — and reward — schools and systems that have exceptional fitness assessments. They overcame critics who worried such tests could stigmatize obese children.

They say they are concerned the proposal — which allows state education officials to create the tests — could open the door to body-mass index testing.